Traction Drive Installation with Two-Step Gear Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of traction means in motor vehicle transmissions, particularly in vehicles with limited installation space, is often difficult and time-consuming due to the cumbersome connection of the traction center with the traction means.

Innovation Solution

A method that involves introducing a transmission component connected to a first pulling means wheel into a gear housing and connecting the traction means to this wheel in two steps: first, positioning the second pulling means wheel in a plane where it is not connected to the traction means, and then moving it to a second position where a driving-technical connection is established, simplifying the coupling operation by reducing the directional complexity of the connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the second traction gear is directly connected to the traction element in a single step, then the installation is completed in one operation, but the coupling process becomes complex and difficult to perform in limited installation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidcoupling operation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling process is divided into two sequential steps: first moving the second traction gear into the first position where it is not mechanically connected to the traction element, then moving it into the second position where mechanical connection is established. This segmentation simplifies each individual operation while maintaining overall installation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first position serves as a preliminary positioning state where the second traction gear is pre-positioned in the plane of the traction element without mechanical engagement. This preliminary action prepares the components for the final coupling operation, making the actual connection easier to perform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If the second traction gear is moved directly into engagement position, then the connection is established quickly, but mechanical stresses and jamming may occur during the coupling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidmechanical stress and jamming risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movement and coupling process is segmented into two distinct phases: positioning in the first position (non-engagement) and subsequent movement to the second position (engagement). This segmentation allows for controlled, stress-free positioning followed by gradual engagement, reducing the risk of mechanical stress and jamming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first position acts as a preliminary positioning state that allows the second traction gear to be accurately positioned in the plane of the traction element without mechanical contact. This preliminary positioning eliminates misalignment stresses and prevents jamming before the final engagement occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3453922B1Method for installing a traction drive into a motor vehicle transmission
Publication Date: 2021.08.04 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3453922B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453922B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453922B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for installing a traction element drive in a motor vehicle transmission. The method is characterized in that a transmission component, which is rotationally fixed to a first traction element gear of the traction element drive, is inserted into a cavity of a transmission housing, and a traction element of the traction element drive is connected to the first traction element gear, and a second traction element gear of the traction element drive is moved along one direction into a first position in which the second traction element gear and the traction element are arranged in one plane, and subsequently the second traction element gear is moved along another direction into a second position in which a drive-related connection exists between the traction element and the second traction element gear.